NEI Collaborative Clinical Vision Research (UG1 - Clinical Trial Optional)

The contract supports the National Eye Institute's (NEI) use of UG1 cooperative agreement awards to fund investigator-initiated clinical vision research projects that are often complex, resource-intensive, or require enhanced safety oversight. These projects include multi-center clinical trials, human gene-transfer studies, stem cell therapy trials, and epidemiological investigations. The research focuses on chronic eye and vision diseases spanning all age groups, aiming to better understand their burden, causes, diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. Due to the multifaceted nature and significant public health impact of these studies, they require rigorous monitoring and oversight by NIH staff. The funding opportunity is designed to establish a collaborative framework comprising a Chair's Grant, Coordinating Center, and Resource Center(s) to facilitate the execution and management of these clinical research initiatives. The program encourages coordination among multiple investigators and institutions to enhance the quality and impact of vision research. Administered under the Department of Health and Human Services, the contract reflects a commitment to advancing vision health through carefully managed, large-scale clinical studies with an emphasis on investigator leadership and multi-center collaboration.